San Antonio periodontal disease patients generally aren’t familiar with the condition until they are diagnosed. They usually notice symptoms, or their general dentist refers them to KRK Implant Center for advanced care.
Our practice wants you to understand what periodontal disease is and how it appears –from the early onset to more serious stages — so you can take action as soon as possible. Read on to learn more.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is actually a general term for a group of diseases that affect the tissues supporting your teeth. This usually refers to the gums and the surrounding bone.
The cause of the disease is bacteria, which grows as plaque builds up on the teeth. Most people can eliminate this build-up with proper brushing, flossing, and dental visits, but plaque can become more durable and form tartar without the right care. The resulting increase in bacteria can irritate the gums and weaken the bone over time.
What Signs Should I Look For?
For patients in San Antonio, periodontal disease symptoms start with:
- Red, irritated gums
- Gums that bleed easily with vigorous brushing
- Discomfort or sensitivity around the gums.
If you notice these changes in the appearance or feel of your gums, it’s time to take action. At this stage, the gums have a mild form of the disease — gingivitis — that you can typically resolve on your own with proper oral hygiene or with the help of your general dentist.
Waiting on treatment for periodontal disease may have some serious consequences. If unattended it can progress to periodontitis, a condition that can impact the strength and stability of your teeth and jawbone. You may have periodontitis if:
- Your gums have begun separating from your teeth and forming pockets, which may become infected.
- You have bad breath you can’t seem to improve.
- You feel pain while chewing, or your teeth are more sensitive in general.
- Your teeth become loose and require removal.
By the time you seek treatment for periodontitis, periodontal disease has progressed from a condition you can resolve with simple measures to a concern requiring the attention of a skilled dental professional.
It’s at this point that your dentist may refer you to KRK Implant Center, where Doctor Krueger can conduct a thorough examination and make a recommendation for your care. We offer several treatments that can resolve the condition permanently, and are happy to discuss all of these options with you.
Learn more about KRK Implant Center’s solutions for San Antonio periodontal disease patients. Call for an initial consultation at 210.826.3946 or fill out the form on the right.